By Jack Schwed
Amid the vast urban landscape of Boston, there is a treasure trove of gorgeous lush plots blanketed with grass and overflowing with colorful flowers and trees. Here are just some of these many green spaces:
- Charlesgate Park: In the 1950s, this green space was severely impacted by the construction of Storrow Drive and the Bowker Overpass. However, in recent years, The Charlesgate Alliance and Emerald Necklace Conservancy have come together for an ongoing revitalization project that would improve the natural feel of the park and add several amenities. Last year, a dog-friendly farmer’s market was opened here, welcoming many local vendors and live music every Sunday from June to October.
- Fenway Victory Gardens: During WWII, over 20 million “victory gardens” emerged across the country, which served to feed troops overseas. This garden, located in the Back Bay Fens area, is the only one that continues to operate continuously. Today, the 7.5-acre site is home to more than 500 individual garden plots tended by Boston residents, and it is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
- Ramler Park: Tucked away in the Fenway neighborhood is a half-acre park with a majestic fountain sitting at the center. Surrounding this centerpiece is a variety of vibrant flora, which are there to attract migrating birds. Over the summer, jazz bands liven up this usually quiet space for small, intimate performances that are open to the public.
- Amory Playground: If you want a wide open space to play a recreational game of soccer, tennis, kickball, or a number of other activities, this park is the perfect place, with a full-sized baseball diamond, six clay tennis courts and an open field. The playground also includes an off-leash dog area where you can bring your dog, or just sit, relax and watch others’ dogs run about and play. The park is conveniently located minutes away from west campus, and is also connected to Hall’s Pond Sanctuary, one of the last remaining natural ponds in Brookline.
- The Esplanade: If you cross the bridge connected to BU Beach, you will find yourself on a three-mile long path along the Charles River. Here, you can bike, walk, run or take a seat on a bench with a beautiful view of the city skyline. Due to its proximity to BU, many students are familiar with this space, but you may not have walked far enough to find the Hatch Memorial Shell. This half-dome art deco outdoor concert venue hosts performances across a wide range of genres and movie screenings for all to enjoy.